Image display device

ABSTRACT

The present invention realizes a multi-valued display by an image display device using electronic balls. In an image display device which includes a first substrate and a second substrate and spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each rotatable spherical body has at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, and at least first electrodes and second electrodes which apply an electric field to the rotatable spherical bodies. At least an electric field which is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode is applied to the rotatable spherical body and the image display device further defines a plurality of regions which differ in an intensity of electric field in the pixel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image display device.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] As a thin image display device, there has been known a liquid crystal display device. However, with respect to the liquid crystal display device, there still remains a drawback that it is difficult to hold a same image for a long time. Recently, as a novel image display device which can solve this drawback, there has been proposed a system which performs display using rotatable electronic balls.

[0005] To briefly explain this method, two hemispheres of the same ball are respectively coated in black and white to form a black region and a white region and static electricity having either the plus polarity or the negative polarity is preliminarily imparted to the black region, for example. Then, this ball is held between electrodes which are formed on upper and lower substrates. In applying an electric field between the upper and lower electrodes, when the intensity of electric field is less than a threshold value, the black region is directed toward the front side so that the black display is obtained, while when the intensity of electric field is equal to or more than the threshold value, the ball is rotated and the white region is directed toward the front side so that the white display is obtained, whereby the black-or-white binary display is performed. The method including an electrophoresis can hold the same image for a long time and hence, the application of the method in a so-called electronic paper is expected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the previously mentioned method which performs display by rotating the ball, the rotation of the ball is determined based on whether the display electric field exceeds the threshold value or not. That is, the method adopts the constitution which enables the binary display. Since the reverse rotation of the ball is performed based on the threshold value, it is possible to hold the ball for a long time. However, there still remains a drawback that the multiple gray scale display is difficult in the method.

[0007] As a technique which realizes the color display other than the white/black display, there has been known a technique disclosed in JP-A-2000-194022. However, a technique which performs the multiple gray scale display is not disclosed in this publication. Accordingly, there still remains a drawback that it is difficult to realize a multicolor display of not less than 64 colors which exceed the combination of primary colors and requires the gray scale display of each color. The present invention has been made to open a way to solve such a drawback.

[0008] Accordingly, it is a first advantage of the present invention to provide an image display device which can realize a multiple gray scale display in an image display device which performs display by making use of the rotation of balls.

[0009] It is a second advantage of the present invention to provide an image display device which performs a display by making use of the rotation of balls and can realize a multi-color display of not less than 64 colors.

[0010] It is a third advantage of the present invention to provide an image display device which performs a display by making use of the rotation of balls and can resolve sticking which may occur when the display is performed for a long time.

[0011] It is a fourth advantage of the present invention to provide an image display device which performs a display by making use of the rotation of balls and can enhance reflectance thus providing a bright image display device. Although the present invention can achieve all of the above-mentioned various advantages, it is needless to say that the present invention may be served for realizing some of these advantages.

[0012] To list main constitutions which can achieve the advantages according to the present invention, they are as follows.

[0013] (1) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein display is performed by applying the voltage difference between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a plurality of regions which differ in an intensity of electric field applied to the spherical bodies are formed with respect to the voltage difference.

[0014] (2) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes and second electrodes which are formed on the first substrate, and third electrodes which are formed on the second substrate, wherein a voltage difference is imparted between the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode so as to perform display.

[0015] (3) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein display is performed by applying the voltage difference at least between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and there are plurality of directions of electric field formed by the voltage difference.

[0016] (4) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein display is performed by applying the voltage difference at least between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and there are plurality of rotating directions of the spherical bodies.

[0017] (5) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on at least the first substrate and second electrodes which are formed on the second substrate, wherein the second electrodes are formed of planar electrodes and the first electrodes are formed of linear electrodes.

[0018] (6) In any one of the constitutions (1) to (4), the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape.

[0019] (7) In the constitution (2), the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape and the third electrodes are formed in a planar shape.

[0020] (8) In any one of the constitutions (1) to (7), at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes have an L shape.

[0021] (9) In either one of the constitutions (6) and (7), the second electrode is sandwiched by two first electrodes, the first electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other, and the second electrode is extended in an oblique direction with respect to the first electrode.

[0022] (10) In either one of the constitutions (6) and (7), the second electrode is sandwiched by two first electrodes, the first electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other, the second electrode has a portion which is parallel to the first electrodes and a portion which is not parallel to the first electrodes, and a distance of the parallel portion of the second electrode with respect to the first electrodes has a plurality of values in the extending direction of the first electrodes.

[0023] (11) In any one of the constitutions (5) to (7), the linear electrode is arranged at a side remote from a display surface.

[0024] (12) In any one of the constitutions (5) to (7), a transparent conductive layer is formed on a front side of the viewer-side substrate.

[0025] (13) In any one of the constitutions (5) to (7), a touch panel is formed on a front side of the viewer-side substrate.

[0026] (14) In any one of the constitutions (1) to (13), each spherical body has a black region and a white region.

[0027] (15) In any one of the constitutions (1) to (13), the each spherical body has a black region and a region which is colored in any one of red, green and blue.

[0028] (16) In any one of the constitutions (1) to (13), the each spherical body has a black region and a region which is colored in any one of cyan, magenta and yellow.

[0029] (17) In either one of the constitution (15) and the constitution (16), the colors of the colored regions differ for respective pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral direction of the image display device.

[0030] (18) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in an inter-electrode distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0031] (19) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on the first substrate and second electrodes which are formed on the second substrate, wherein a dielectric layer is formed between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in a thickness of the dielectric layer.

[0032] (20) In the constitution (18), the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed on the first substrate, and the image display device further includes third electrodes which are formed on the second electrodes.

[0033] (21) In either one of the constitution (18) and (20), the second electrodes are arranged such that the second electrode is sandwiched by a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of first electrodes extend parallel to each other, and the second electrode is arranged obliquely with respect to the first electrodes.

[0034] (22) In either one of the constitution (18) and the constitution (20), the second electrodes are arranged such that the second electrode is sandwiched by a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of first electrodes extend parallel to each other, and the second electrode has a portion which is parallel to the first electrodes and a portion which is not parallel to the first electrodes, and a distance of the parallel portion of the second electrode with respect to the first electrodes has a plurality of values in the extending direction of the first electrodes.

[0035] (23) In the constitution (22), assuming a distance between the second electrode and the first electrode which is arranged at the left side of the second electrode as a first distance and a distance between the second electrode and the first electrode which is arranged at the right side of the second electrode as a second distance, a region which has a small difference between the first distance and the second distance has set a length of the portion of the second electrode which is parallel to the first electrodes shorter than a length of the second electrode which is parallel to the first electrodes in a region in which the difference between the first distance and the second distance is large.

[0036] (24) In the constitution (18), the first electrodes are formed on the first substrate, the second electrodes are formed on the second substrate, and the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0037] (25) In the constitution (24), the first electrodes and the second electrodes have a planar shape.

[0038] (26) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the rotation of the spherical bodies is controlled based on a voltage applied between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in a threshold value voltage which generates the rotation of the spherical bodies in the pixels.

[0039] (27) In any one of the constitutions (18) to (26), the spherical body has a black region and a white region.

[0040] (28) In any one of the constitutions (18) to (26), the spherical body includes a black region and a region which is colored in any one of red, green and blue.

[0041] (29) In any one of the constitutions (19) to (26), the spherical body includes a black region and a region which is colored in any one of cyan, magenta and yellow.

[0042] (30) In either one of the constitution (28) and the constitution (29), the colors of the colored regions differ for respective pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral direction of the image display device.

[0043] (31) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate and spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, wherein first electrodes and second electrodes are formed on the first substrate and polarities of the first electrodes and the second electrodes are periodically changed over.

[0044] (32) In the constitution (31), the first electrodes and the second electrodes have a linear shape and the image display device includes third electrodes having a width larger than a width of the first electrodes and the second electrodes on the second substrate.

[0045] (33) An image display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the spherical bodies have a columnar shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pixel of an image display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057]FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a pixel display of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058]FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a pixel display of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 14 is a plan view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061]FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a pixel display of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063]FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of a pixel display of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064]FIG. 19 is a plan view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065]FIG. 20 is an explanatory view of the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel of an image display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068]FIG. 23 is a constitutional example of an image display device of the present invention.

[0069]FIG. 24 is an explanatory view of driving of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0070]FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of driving of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071]FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of a spherical body of another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0072] Technical features of the present invention are explained in conjunction with embodiments hereinafter.

[0073] (Embodiment 1)

[0074]FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure of a pixel according to one embodiment of the present invention. Two types of electrodes PX1 and PX2 are formed on a first substrate SUB1, wherein the electrodes PX1 and PX2 are arranged alternately. A protective film PAS is formed over the electrodes PX1, PX2 so as to protect these electrodes. A reference electrode CT is formed on an inner surface of a second substrate SUB2. Spherical bodies or electronic balls BL are formed between the substrates SUB1, SUB2. The electronic ball has two regions which differ in luminance, wherein one region is formed as a black region and another region is formed as a white region. These electronic balls BL are supported by a support body HM. To facilitate manufacturing steps thereof, the electronic balls and the support body may be formed on the second substrate SUB2. In this case, the first substrate SUB1 which has a relatively complicated electrode arrangement can be manufactured separately so that the yield rate can be enhanced.

[0075]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view in which the behavior of electronic balls BL between the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2 in FIG. 1 is viewed from the second substrate SUB2 side.

[0076] The rotational behavior of the electronic balls BL due to the application of a voltage between the electrodes PX1, PX2 and the reference electrode CT is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0077]FIG. 1A shows a stationary state. Black portions of the electronic balls BL are directed toward the second substrate SUB2 side. By setting the second substrate SUB2 side as a display screen (surface) side, light incident from the second substrate SUB2 side is absorbed in the black portions of the electronic balls BL and hence, the reflectance assumes a low value. Accordingly, a display image viewed by a viewer becomes dark and hence, the black display is obtained. FIG. 2A is a view as viewed from the display screen side. It is understood that the electronic balls BL are arranged in rows with the black surfaces thereof directed toward the front side. In this manner, the black display is obtained.

[0078]FIG. 1B shows a half-tone state. Static electricity is preliminarily charged to hemispheres (semispheres), for example, the black portions of the electronic balls BL. Here, the static electricity is a plus charge, for example. In such a state, when a plus charge is applied to the reference electrode CT, a repulsive force is generated between the plus charge of the reference electrode CT and the plus charge of the electronic balls BL so that a rotational force is imparted to the electronic balls BL. When this rotational force exceeds a given threshold value, the electronic balls BL are rotated. In the conventional method, since the display is performed only based on the presence or non-presence of this rotation, only the binary display is possible whereby the multiple gray scale display can not be realized. To the contrary, in FIG. 1B, when potentials of 0 V, −20 V, +10 V are respectively applied to the reference electrode CT, the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2 respectively, the electronic balls BL are arranged in rows as shown in FIG. 1B. The electronic balls BL on the electrode PX1 have the black surfaces thereof directed to the first substrate SUB1 side and the electronic balls BL disposed between the electrodes PX1, PX2 change their directions in accordance with an electric field. This is because that an equipotential surface which corresponds to the threshold value is formed in a semicircular shape which surrounds the electrode PX1 as indicated by a fine line as EP in the drawing. Since the equipotential surface can be easily understood from the voltage, the equipotential surface is not shown in the drawing. FIG. 2B is a view which is obtained by viewing the electronic balls BL in the state shown in FIG. 1B from the display screen side. At the display screen side, the white balls, the black balls and the half-tone balls are present in a mixed state. In an image which is actually viewed by an viewer with naked eyes, these balls are mixed and averaged so that the image is recognized as a half tone. By adjusting the potential difference between the reference electrode CT and the electrodes PX1, PX2, the distance between the equipotential surface and the electrode PX1 is changed. Accordingly, the degree of rotation of the electronic balls BL disposed between the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2 is changed so that the multiple gray scale display can be realized. FIG. 1C shows an example in which −20 V is applied to both of the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2. As indicated by fine lines as EP in the drawing, the equipotential surface becomes substantially parallel to the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2. Accordingly, the electronic balls BL are completely rotated. A display image, as shown in FIG. 2C, assumes the white display.

[0079] In this manner, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize the image display device using the electronic balls which can realize the half-tone display.

[0080] In resetting the image, by applying −20 V to the reference electrode CT and +20 V to the electrodes PX1, PX2, for example, the black portions of the electronic balls BL face the second substrate SUB2 side so that the image can assume the state shown in FIG. 1A again.

[0081] Although this embodiment has been explained in conjunction with the example in which the black portions are charged in plus, when the black portions are charged in minus, it is also possible to realize the multiple gray scale display in the same manner by properly setting the potential between the electrodes.

[0082] In this manner, according to this embodiment by controlling the voltages of the electrodes PX1, PX2 or by controlling the difference between voltages of these electrodes PX1, PX2, it is possible to easily realize the multiple gray scale display of not less than 4 gray scales.

[0083] Further, by adopting coloring portions and non-coloring portions in place of the black portions and the white portions of the electronic balls BL, it is possible to realize a color display. For example, using red and black, it is possible to realize the red multiple gray scale display. Accordingly, for example, by constituting the image display device which uses the electronic balls using a plurality of pixels and by sequentially arranging the electronic balls having different colors, for example, three colors consisting of red, green and blue for respective pixels arranged close to each other, the color display can be realized. Since it is possible to perform the multiple gray scale display with respect to each color, by performing the multiple gray scale display of not less than 4 gray scales for each color, it is possible to realize multicolor display of not less than 64 colors so that an electronic paper which can replace a display of a newspaper level in color can be realized.

[0084] Further, in the present invention, the electronic ball means a constitutional object which has regions of at least two colors or two luminance or more and is capable of selectively directing either one of these two regions toward the display screen side. Accordingly, it is not always necessary that the electronic ball has a complete spherical shape. In the present invention, the spherical body means a structural body in which at least a portion of across-sectional shape thereof has a curved portion. Further, in the present invention, the rotation includes a state in which a structural body changes the direction thereof while moving and a state in which a structural body changes the direction thereof by moving.

[0085] (Embodiment 2)

[0086]FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are views which correspond to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the embodiment 1. The constitution which makes the embodiment 2 different from the embodiment 1 lies in that the reference electrode CT is not formed on the second substrate SUB2 side.

[0087] The reference electrode CT in the embodiment 1 contributes to the stabilization of the potential formed between the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2. However, even when the reference electrode CT is eliminated, it is possible to realize the substantially same display. In this case, the manufacturing cost of the image display device can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the elimination of the reference electrode CT at the second substrate SUB2 side.

[0088]FIG. 3A shows a state in which black portions of electronic balls are charged in plus and +20 V, for example, is applied to the electrodes PX1 and the electrodes PX2. The display assumes the black display as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0089]FIG. 3B shows an example in which −20 V is applied to the electrodes PX1 and +20 V is applied to the electrodes PX2. An equipotential surface EP becomes perpendicular between the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2. As a result, the electronic balls BL assume the display shown in FIG. 4B so that the half-tone display can be realized.

[0090]FIG. 3C shows an example in which −20 V is applied to the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2. Since the equipotential surface EP is substantially parallel to the substrate SUB1, the black portions of the electronic balls BL are directed to the first substrate SUB1 side. The display image, as shown in FIG. 4C, assumes the white display.

[0091] Different from the case explained in conjunction with the embodiment 1, the reference electrode CT is not formed on the second substrate SUB2 side in this embodiment and hence, the accuracy of control due to a voltage in the half tone is degraded so that the number of gray scales which can be displayed is decreased compared to the corresponding number of gray scales in the embodiment 1. However, it is possible to perform the multiple gray scale display of not less than 64 gray scales and hence, the image display device of this embodiment has the sufficient performance as an electronic paper in view of the cost reduction effect brought about by the elimination of the reference electrode CT.

[0092] However, to cope with the so-called full color which requires not less than 16 million colors, the constitution of the embodiment 1 is preferable.

[0093] (Embodiment 3)

[0094] In the image display device using the electronic balls, both of the embodiment 1 and the embodiment 2 exhibit a novel and remarkable effect that the enlargement of a viewing angle can be realized.

[0095] This effect can be explained in conjunction with FIG. 6. FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6D respectively shows how the electronic ball is viewed in respective directions b, c, d when the electronic ball assumes a state shown in FIG. 6A.

[0096] In FIG. 6B in which the electronic ball is directed in the upper direction, the electronic ball exhibits white, in FIG. 6C in which the electronic ball is directed in the left direction, and in FIG. 6D in which the electronic ball is directed in the right direction, a major portion of the electronic ball exhibits white although black is slightly mixed. Accordingly, in the black-or-white binary display, there is a small angle dependency with respect to the difference in luminance or difference in color so that it is understood that a problem of viewing angle is not important.

[0097] However, it has been found that this difference in luminance or difference in color causes a great problem in the half-tone state. FIG. 6E shows an example of the electronic ball in the half-tone state. Here, to indicate states which are viewed in the directions b, c, d in the same manner as FIG. 6A in FIGS. 6F, 6G, 6H, the electronic ball is mainly white and partially black in FIG. 6F, the electronic ball is white in FIG. 6G and the electronic ball is mainly black and partially white in FIG. 6H. Accordingly, the tone is changed within a range from black to white depending on the viewing direction so that the targeted half tone is only obtained in the direction limited to the direction from the front face. This makes the image display device have a narrow viewing angle.

[0098] In view of the above, according to the present invention, with the use of the structure disclosed in the embodiments 1 and 2, for example, the electric field generated between the electrodes is configured to have a plurality of directions. This constitution is a constitution which is realized by alternately arranging the linear electrodes. Due to such a constitution, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 3B, the regions where the white portions are directed toward the right side and the regions where the white portions are directed toward the left side are present in a mixed form. That is, the electronic balls are arranged such that the electronic balls assume the half-tone state in which the electronic balls are directed in a plurality of opposite directions. As a result, the differences in viewing direction of the electronic balls compensate each other and hence, a viewing angle can be broadened. That is, when the image display device is viewed from the direction c in FIG. 6, that is, from the left direction, as can be clearly understood from the directions of electronic balls shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 3B, the electronic balls which are viewed from the direction c and the electronic balls which are viewed from the direction d in FIG. 6 are present in a mixed form and hence, an actually observed view with naked eyes becomes an image which is obtained by averaging images shown in FIG. 6G and FIG. 6H so that the half-tone display is obtained. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to realize the image display device using the electronic balls exhibiting a broad viewing angle even in the half tone.

[0099] Further, as can be clearly understood from FIG. 2B and FIG. 4B, the electronic balls which are arranged in various directions indicative of white, black and half tone as viewed from a front face are present in a mixed form so that the displayed image appears in a half tone. Accordingly, this provides the constitution which exhibits the extremely small difference between viewing from the front face and viewing from the oblique direction so that it is possible to realize the broadening of the viewing angle.

[0100] To make a plurality of electronic balls directed in directions opposite to each other, it is necessary to impart a plurality of rotating directions to the electronic balls by an electric field. Further, as indicated as an electric field E in FIG. 2B and FIG. 4B, it is necessary to provide a plurality of directions of the electric field applied to the electronic balls.

[0101] Further, as a result which is obtained by making the polarities of two linear electrodes PX1, PX2 different from each other, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 4B, the electronic balls are present in a mixed form such that the electronic balls on the electrodes PX1 are white and the electronic balls on the electrodes PX2 are black. In this manner, by providing a state in which white and black are present in a mixed form as viewed from the front face in a half tone, the viewing angle in a half tone can be further enhanced.

[0102]FIG. 5 is a constitutional example in which the directions of the electric field and the directions of the rotation are increased in number and also constitutes views as viewed from the front face and corresponds to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. The electrodes PX1, PX2 are extended in parallel to each other. The electrodes PX1, PX2 are formed in an L shape or a shape bent like a crank.

[0103]FIG. 5A shows a state in which +20 V is applied to the electrodes PX1, PX2. Since a plus charge is charged to the black portions of the electronic balls, the black portions of the electronic balls are directed to the reverse-electrode side, that is, the front face side thus providing the black display.

[0104]FIG. 5B shows a state in which −20 V is applied to the linear electrode PX1 and +20 V is applied to the linear electrode PX2 thus providing a half tone state. The electronic balls on the linear electrodes PX1 assume white, the electronic balls on the linear electrode PX2 assume black, and the intermediate electronic balls between the linear electrodes PX1, PX2 assume white and black in halves respectively. What features the state shown in FIG. 5B is a point that since the electrodes are bent, the directions E of the electric field generated between the electrodes are further distributed in multiple directions. Accordingly, the electronic balls having the black portion and the white portion in halves are provided with a large number of regions including regions where the white portion is directed in various directions including the upward right oblique direction, the right direction, the downward right oblique direction, the downward left oblique direction, the left direction and the upward left oblique direction. As a result, the viewing of the electronic balls in respective directions in a half-tone state can be further averaged so that the further broadening of a viewing angle can be realized.

[0105]FIG. 5C shows a state in which −20V is applied to the electrodes PX1, PX2 and the electronic balls exhibit the white display.

[0106] As has been explained, the image display devices according to the embodiment 1 and the embodiment 2 can also realize the viewing-angle broadening effect. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, by adopting the electrodes in a L shape or in a crank shape, the further improvement of the viewing angle can be achieved.

EXAMPLE 4

[0107]FIG. 7 shows the constitution in which a shield electrode SE is formed on a back surface of the substrate SUB1 on which fine-line electrodes are formed. To ensure the light transmitting property, the shield electrode SE is formed of a transparent conductive body. In the image display device using the electronic balls, a countermeasure to cope with the static electricity is important. This is because that it is not a rare case that the static electricity assumes a high potential which exceeds 10000V. When such a high voltage is applied to the image display device, the voltage influences the static electricity which is preliminarily applied to the electronic balls. When the insulation resistance is infinite, leaking of charge is not generated. However, in an actual image display device, it is impossible to obtain the infinite insulation resistance and hence, a quantity of static electricity of the electronic balls is changed due to such static electricity. As a result, a quantity of static electricity of the electronic balls receives an irreversible change. Accordingly, even after the external static electricity is removed, the value of the static electricity of the electronic balls assumes a value different from the previous value and hence, the rotational threshold value of the electronic balls is deviated. This prevents the image display device from performing a normal display and implies that the image display device is broken as a display device. Accordingly, in the image display device using the electronic balls, the counter measure to cope with the static electricity is extremely important.

[0108] By providing the shield electrode SE shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to prevent the external static electricity from influencing the electronic balls. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the breaking of the image display device caused by the static electricity.

[0109]FIG. 8 shows an example in which a touch panel is used in place of the shield electrode SE. To adopt the image display device using the electronic balls as an electronic paper, it is necessary for the image display device to have an information inputting function. Here, by providing the touch panel to a display surface side, it is possible to write down in the same manner as a conventional paper. The constitution of the touch panel per se has been well known and any constitution can be used. One example is shown in FIG. 8. A touch panel TP is configured such that between a lower substrate SUB3 and an upper substrate SUB4, a lower electrode LE and an upper electrode UE are arranged to face each other in an opposed manner by way of spacers SP. Here, to ensure the light transmissivity, the lower electrode LE and the upper electrode UE are formed of a transparent conductive body. These electrodes function as the shield electrode SE in FIG. 7. When a manipulator pushes a touch panel from a surface of the upper substrate SUB4, the lower electrode LE and the upper electrode UE are brought into contact with each other and they become conductive with each other. Since the upper electrode UE and the lower electrode LE are constituted in a matrix array, the positions of crossing points are detected by an external circuit (not shown in the drawing) and positional information is specified. By feeding back the information to the image display device so as to change the display state of the electronic balls, it is possible to make the image display device perform the display in accordance with inputting from the screen whereby it is possible to provide an electronic paper having the same function as a conventional paper.

[0110]FIG. 9 shows an example in which the touch panel TP shown in FIG. 8 is formed on the substrate SUB2 side on which the electrodes are formed in a wide range or in a planar shape. Also with such a constitution, it is possible to enhance the reliability of the image display device by shielding the static electricity using the touch panel.

[0111] The static electricity shielding technique using the shield electrode SE or the touch panel TP which has been explained in conjunction with FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 is applicable to the image display device using the electronic balls in general and hence, it is applicable to respective embodiments disclosed in the present application. Further, this embodiment provides the concept of applying the shielding of static electricity to the image display device using the electronic balls so as to realize the enhancement of the reliability of the image display device.

[0112] (Embodiment 4)

[0113] The constitution which realizes a color display in the image display device using electronic balls which is disclosed in respective embodiments of the present application is explained in conjunction with FIG. 10. The image display device includes a group of pixels which are constituted in a matrix array. Among the group of pixels in a matrix array, for every group of pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral direction, colors of one regions of the electronic balls are made different from each other. For example, the electronic balls having coloring regions of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) are respectively arranged as shown in FIG. 10. Assume the electronic ball has two regions, one region is colored with one of these colors and the other region is colored with black, for example. A display pixel is constituted using three pixels arranged close to each other in the lateral direction as a unit. The above-mentioned red, green and blue constitute a combination of so-called three primary colors. Here, it is also possible to adopt a combination of cyan, magenta and yellow which constitute so-called complementary colors.

[0114] Further, with respect to the arrangement of the electronic balls having the same color, respective pixels which are arranged close to each other in the longitudinal direction may be formed independently from each other. Further, with respect to the pixels which are arranged close to each other in the longitudinal direction, their arrangement regions may be integrally formed as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the manufacturing step can be simplified.

[0115] (Embodiment 5)

[0116]FIG. 11 shows the manner of supporting the electronic balls BL in the image display devices disclosed in respective embodiment of the present invention.

[0117]FIG. 11A shows the constitution in which the electronic balls BL are filled in a space defined an upper substrate SUB 2 and separators DIV and a support body HM is disposed below the electronic balls BL. By arranging the separators DIV between the pixels, for example, it is possible to clarify the electronic ball BL arranged for every pixel. Such a provision can be preferably used since it is possible to prevent mixing of colors when the electronic balls BL having different colors are arranged for respective pixels. The support body HM is adhered to the separators DIV so that the electronic balls BL are sandwiched by the support body HM, the separators DIV and the substrate SUB2.

[0118]FIG. 11B shows an example in which the electronic balls BL are arranged in the inside of the support body HM. A resin polymer or a foamed resin in a network form, a porous medium or the like is applicable as an example of a material of the support body HM. As a manufacturing method, the electronic balls BL may be introduced after forming the support body HM or a mixture of the support body HM and the electronic balls BL may be formed. Further, provided that the accuracy in formation of the support body per se is high, it is possible to omit the separators DIV.

[0119]FIG. 11C shows an example in which electronic balls BL are formed in the inside of micro capsules MC. Since the electronic balls BL are separated from the support body HM by means of the micro capsules MC, it is possible to integrally form the electronic balls BL with the support body HM easily. The electronic balls BL are rotated or moved within the micro capsules MC so as to change their directions. Further, since the electronic balls are separated from the support body HM by means of the micro capsules MC, this provision is preferably applicable to the constitution which provides the electrophoresis in place of the electronic balls BL.

[0120]FIG. 11D shows a constitutional example of the electronic ball BL. This drawing is a schematic cross-sectional view. A region which corresponds to a hemisphere of the electronic ball constitutes a colored region BK. Here, assume that the electronic ball BL per se is white or has the light scattering property, the white-or-black display can be realized by the rotation of the electronic balls BL. By coloring the BK region such that the electronic ball BL is colored or the electronic ball BL is blackened, the color display is realized due to the rotation of the electronic ball BL. Further, by constituting the BK region using a conductive material or by constituting a conductive layer such that the conductive layer is positioned at the BK region and by covering the whole ball including the BK region with an insulating body IL, it is possible to make the hemisphere of the electronic ball BL selectively hold the static electricity on the hemisphere of the electronic balls BL.

[0121]FIG. 11E shows another constitutional example of the electronic ball. The constitution which makes this example different from the example shown in FIG. 11D lies in a point that a black display layer BK is formed on a white display layer WH. Further, in this constitution, it is preferable that a BL portion is transparent. Due to such a constitution, when the electronic ball is directed upwardly as shown in the drawing, the black display is obtained, while when the electronic ball BL is rotated, light passes through the inside of the electronic ball BL and is reflected on the white display layer WH and the reflected light is viewed by a viewer and hence, the white display is obtained. When the WH portion is colored, the color display is realized in the same manner. Further, when the White display layer WH is formed of a conductive layer, assuming the black display layer BK as an insulation layer, BK can also perform a role of the IL. Further, the arrangement of the Black display layer BK and the white display layer WH can be reversed. In this case, when the black display layer BK is formed of a conductive layer, the White display layer WH also performs a role of the IL.

[0122] In this embodiment, typical examples of the constitution for supporting the electronic balls BL of the present application and the constitution of the electronic balls BL which are applicable to respective embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. It is needless to say that this embodiment is not limited to the disclosed constitution. Further, even when only the constitution of this embodiment is used without being combined with other embodiments, this embodiment can achieve an advantageous effect attributed to the disclosure.

[0123] (Embodiment 6)

[0124]FIG. 12 shows another example which realizes a halftone display and also is a view showing the pixel portion in a plan view. This embodiment is suitable for an image display using electronic balls and also is suitable for an electrophoresis display device.

[0125] An electrode PX2 is constituted such that the electrode PX2 extends in an oblique direction between linear electrodes PX1. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to form a plurality of regions which differ in a distance between the electrodes PX1 and PX2. In the constitution shown in FIG. 12A, the electrode PX2 is a straight line and hence, the distance is continuously changed. This implies that when a potential difference is applied between the electrodes PX1 and PX2, since the distance between the electrodes PX1 and PX2 differs every region, the intensity of an electric field differs every region. By making use of this phenomenon, while setting a threshold value voltage of the electronic ball or the electrophoresis body per se at the same level, it is possible to provide the threshold value which differs every region. Due to such a constitution, a half-tone display with high accuracy can be realized.

[0126]FIG. 20 shows a result which realizes a half-tone display by providing the threshold value voltage which differs for every region. A voltage is taken on an axis of abscissas and the relative luminance is taken on an axis of ordinates. In a conventional example, it is only possible to realize the binary display in which the electronic balls assume the black state when the voltage is below the threshold value voltage and assume the white state when the voltage is equal to or more than the threshold value voltage. To the contrary, it is possible to change the threshold value voltage for every region by changing the intensity of an electric field for every region. This is because that since the distance differs for every region, the voltage value which gives the threshold-value electric field differs for every region. In other words, this implies the constitution which changes the intensity of the electric field applied to the electronic balls for every region. In FIG. 20, a continuous characteristics is shown as the present invention (1) and this can realize the display in half tone with high accuracy. The advantage of this concept lies in that in spite of the fact that the electronic balls or the electrophoresis body per se adopts the threshold value of the binary system, the multi-valued display can be realized based on the region control. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with the multi-valued display by using only the pixel pattern and hence, the designing and the manufacturing of the image display device can be realized easily. Further, compared to a case in which the threshold value of the electronic balls exhibit the multi-values, it is possible to obtain the multiple gray scale display.

[0127] The mode of gray scale display is explained in conjunction with FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a view as viewed from a display surface side, wherein BK is a region in a black state and WH indicates a region in a white state. Respective electronic balls are omitted and the gray scale is explained with respect to regions.

[0128]FIG. 12A shows a black state in which the electrodes PX1 and PX2 assume +20V. The whole region between the electrodes PX1 and PX2 constitutes the black region BK.

[0129]FIG. 12B shows a dark half tone. This is a state in which −10V is applied to the electrodes PX1 and 0V is applied to the electrode PX2. With respect to an electric field E which is directed from the electrode PX2 to the electrodes PX1, the electric field intensity is strong in the region where the distance between electrodes is short, while the electric field intensity is weak in the region where the distance between electrodes is long. In the region where the distance between electrodes is short, the electric field intensity exceeds the threshold value of the electronic balls and hence, the electronic balls are inverted thus exhibiting the white display WH.

[0130]FIG. 12C shows a bright half tone. This is a state in which −20V is applied to the electrodes PX1 and 0V is applied to the electrode PX2. With respect to an electric field E which is directed from the electrode PX2 to the electrodes PX1, the electric field intensity is strong in the region where the distance between electrodes is short, while the electric field intensity is weak in the region where the distance between electrodes is long. In the region where the distance between the electrodes is short, the electric field intensity exceeds the threshold value of the electronic balls and hence, the electronic balls are reversely rotated thus exhibiting the white display WH. Since the voltage difference of the electrodes PX1 and PX2 is increased in FIG. 12C compared to the case shown in FIG. 12B, the region where the electric field which exceeds the threshold value is enlarged in FIG. 12C compared to the case shown in FIG. 12B so that the bright half tone is obtained.

[0131] In this manner, the control of the half tone can be easily realized by performing the region control whereby the multiple gray scale display can be realized.

[0132] (Embodiment 7)

[0133] The present invention is another embodiment which embodies the technical concept of the embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. 13, the electrode PX2 which is bent in an L shape or in a crank shape is formed between two electrodes PX1. That is, the electrode PX2 is formed such that the distance between the electrodes PX1 and PX2 differs for every region. In the same manner as the embodiment 6, when the voltage difference between the electrodes PX1 and PX2 is increased from the black display shown in FIG. 13A, the black display region is gradually inverted into the white display WH starting from the region where the distance is short so that the dark half tone state shown in FIG. 13B is obtained. When the voltage difference is further increased, the bright half-tone state shown in FIG. 13C is obtained.

[0134] Although the WH region is constituted of two regions in the constitution shown in FIG. 12, the WH region is constituted of three regions in the constitution shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, this embodiment can enhance the uniformity of luminance in the inside of the pixel and hence, the more uniform display can be obtained at the time of viewing with naked eyes. Particularly, the enhancement of the uniformity of luminance can be obtained in the image display device which uses the electronic balls having low threshold value and in which the distance between the electrodes is largely increased. Further, in the constitution shown in FIG. 13, in the same manner as the above-mentioned embodiment, the viewing angle enlarging effect in the half tone can be further enhanced.

[0135] (Embodiment 8)

[0136] This embodiment is another embodiment which embodies the concept which realizes the half tone display of the embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. 14A, the electrode PX2 which is bent in a crank shape is formed between two electrodes PX1. That is, the electrode PX2 is formed between two electrodes PX1 which extend in parallel, wherein the electrode PX2 is constituted of regions which are parallel to the electrode PX1 and regions which are not parallel to the electrode PX1. Due to such a constitution, the distance between electrodes defined between the electrodes PX1 and PX2 can assume a plurality of discontinuous values. In this constitution, the voltages which constitute the threshold values for respective regions assume values separated from each other and hence, the luminance is changed in a digital manner with respect to the voltage difference applied to the electrodes PX1 and PX2. One example is shown in FIG. 20 as the present invention (2). Accordingly, even when the threshold value of the electronic balls is fluctuated more or less, the characteristics of luminance with respect to the voltage between electrodes does not receive the influence of the fluctuation of the threshold value and hence, the irregularities among products attributed to the irregularities of threshold values of the electronic balls can be completely expelled. The constitution which expels the irregularities while performing the half tone display by setting the distance between the electrodes in a discrete manner includes all constitutions to which the constitution is applicable as a concept. Accordingly, even when the electrodes PX1 and PX2 are constituted as planer electrodes or the electrodes PX1 and PX2 are respectively arranged on separate substrates which face each other in an opposed manner and the distance between the electrodes PX1 and PX2 is set in a discrete manner, it is possible to obtain a similar advantageous effect.

[0137]FIG. 14B is an example which relates to the arrangement of parallel portions of the electrode PX2 with respect to the electrodes PX1. The electrodes PX1 are arranged at both sides, that is, at the left side and the right side of the electrode PX2. Assuming d1, d2, d3, d4, L1, L2, L3 as shown in FIG. 14B, the relationship among them are set as d2>>d3, d4>>d1. In the region of the electrode PX2 which sets d1 and d2, the difference between the left and right distances defined between the electrode PX2 and the left and right electrodes PX1 is increased. A length of the electrode PX2 in this region is set to L1. To the contrary, in the region of the electrode PX2 which sets d3 and d4, the difference between the left and right distances defined between the electrode PX2 and the left and right electrodes PX1 is decreased. A length of the electrode PX2 in this region is set to L3. Here, the relationship between the lengths L1 and L3 is set as L1>L3. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to further approximate the voltage-luminance characteristics indicated in FIG. 20 as the present invention (2) to the smooth curve indicated as the present invention (1).

[0138] (Embodiment 9)

[0139] With respect to the electrodes PX1 and PX2 described in the embodiments 6 to 8, various types of arrangement of these electrodes can be considered. For example, the electrodes PX1 and PX2 may be formed on the substrate SUB1. It may be possible that the electrodes PX1 is formed on the substrate SUB1 and the electrode PX2 is formed on the substrate SUB2. Further, while forming the electrodes PX1 and PX2 on the substrate SUB1, the planar reference electrodes CT may be formed on the substrate SUB2. So long as the technical concept disclosed in the embodiments 6 to 8 is applied, various types of constitution can be considered.

[0140] (Embodiment 10)

[0141] This embodiment is another embodiment which embodies the concept which realizes the half tone display of the embodiment 6. FIG. 15 shows the cross-sectional constitution of the pixel and FIG. 16 shows the manner of display as viewed from a front face corresponding to FIG. 15. To explain the constitution in conjunction wit FIG. 15A, the pixel includes the electrode PX1 which is formed on the substrate SUB1 and the reference electrode CT which is formed on the substrate SUB2. Here, the distance between the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2 is set such that the distance differs for every region. In FIG. 15A, the distance between the electrode PX1 and the electrode PX2 is changed for every region by giving an inclination to the electrode PX1. An example which gives the inclination to the electrode PX1 is explained. After applying the protective film PAS1 by coating, the protective film PAS1 is exposed in a spaced-apart manner and by changing the size thereof. By etching the protective film PAS1, the protective film PAS1 is formed of protrusions which gradually reduce the size or the height thereof as shown in FIG. 15A. When the protective film PAS2 made of organic material is formed on the protective film PAS1, a thickness of coating is changed in response to steps of the background PAS1 and hence, the electrode PX1 assumes the inclined shape as shown in the drawing. It is needless to say that it is possible to change the film thickness for every region by other technique, for example, by changing the hardness for every region by changing an exposure quantity to the protective film PAS2 without employing the protective film PAS1, for example. Further, it is possible to use a substrate which preliminarily has an inclined portion. Still further, in forming the substrate SUB1 using plastic or resin, the inclined portion may be formed by changing a film thickness of the substrate per se with a press work. Further, resin may be printed by a printing method such that the resin is inclined. Since these methods can be easily understood, the explanation of the methods is not described in the drawings.

[0142] An example in which the black portions of the electronic balls BL are changed in plus is explained. In FIG. 15A, black surfaces of the electronic balls BL are directed toward the substrate SUB 2 side so that the display assumes the black display as shown in FIG. 16A. As an example, this state is a state in which 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT and +20V is applied to the electrode PX1.

[0143]FIG. 15B shows a dark half tone state. For example, when 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT and −10V is applied to the electrode PX1, the intensity of electric field exceeds a threshold value in the region where the distance between the electrode PX1 and the reference electrode CT is narrow and hence, the electronic balls BL are rotated. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16B, the right side which corresponds to the narrow distance portion partially assumes a white state. In naked eyes, this state is recognized that the black portion and the white portion are averaged and hence, the dark half tone is obtained.

[0144]FIG. 15C shows a bright half tone state. For example, when 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT and −15V is applied to the electrode PX1, the region where the intensity of electric field exceeds the threshold value is further expanded compared to the case shown in FIG. 15B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16C, the white display region is further enlarged so that the bright half tone is obtained. When the potential difference between the reference electrode and the electrode PX is enlarged, the whole white state is obtained.

[0145] Also with the use of the constitution of this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the half tone display having the multiple gray scales. Further, fine electrodes are not necessary and planar electrodes can be used and hence, there arises an advantageous effect that the image display device hardly receives the irregularities of working accuracy whereby the enhancement of the manufacturing throughput can be realized.

[0146] (Embodiment 11)

[0147] This embodiment is another embodiment which embodies the concept for realizing the half tone display of the embodiment 6. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 respectively correspond to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 in the embodiment 10. In this embodiment, the electrode PX1 is formed parallel to the substrate SUB1 and a dielectric layer PAS1 is formed on the electrode PX1. The dielectric layer PAS1 has the dielectric constant ε. When the value of the dielectric constant ε differs between the dielectric layer PAS1 and regions other than the dielectric layer PAS1, it is possible to make the electric distance between the electrode PX1 and the reference electrode CT different between the PAS1 forming portion and the PAS1 non-forming portion. Accordingly, although the physical distance between electrode PX1 and the reference electrode CT is equal for every region, the constitution which can change the electrical distance between electrode PX1 and the reference electrode CT for every region can be obtained.

[0148] As one example, there is provided a case in which the dielectric layer PAS1 is formed of an organic material having the low dielectric constant, preferably the dielectric constant of not more than 5 and gaps defined at both sides of the dielectric layer PAS1 are filled with a material having the dielectric constant higher than that of the dielectric layer PAS1. In this case, due to the law of electromagnetism, in the electronic ball forming region which is a region corresponding to the PAS1 forming region, the intensity of electric field becomes weak compared to the region which corresponds to the PAS1 non-forming region. In other words, it can be said that the electrical distance between the electrode PX1 and the reference electrode CT is increased in the PAS1 forming region. This embodiment realizes the half tone display by making use of this phenomenon.

[0149]FIG. 17A and FIG. 18A show the black display state. In this state, as one example, the black portions of the electronic balls BL are changed in plus, 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT and +20V is applied to the electrode PX1.

[0150]FIG. 17B and FIG. 18B show the dark half tone state. In this state, as one example, −10V is applied to electrode PX1 and 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT. In the PAS1 forming region, the intensity of the electric field is low and the thicker the film thickness of the dielectric layer PAS1, the intensity of the electric field in such a region is decreased. Accordingly, in this state, the intensity of electric field exceeds the threshold value voltage only in the region where the film thickness of the dielectric layer PAS1 is thin and the electronic balls BL are rotated. The display assumes a display state shown in FIG. 18B in which regions which correspond to the both sides of the dielectric layer PAS1 assume the white region WH so that the dark half tone is obtained.

[0151]FIG. 17C and FIG. 18C show the bright half tone state. In this state, as one example, −15V is applied to electrode PX1 and 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT. Since the voltage difference between the electrodes is enlarged, the reverse rotation of the electronic balls BL extends to the region where the film thickness of the dielectric layer PAS1 is thick. As shown in FIG. 18C, the display assumes a white state except for the center portion which corresponds to a portion of the dielectric layer PAS1 which has the largest thickness so that the bright half tone is obtained.

[0152] The feature of this embodiment lies in the local provision of the dielectric body on one electrode and the dielectric body may have the dielectric constant higher than that of the element around the dielectric body. In this case, contrary to the case shown in FIG. 18, the constitution which enlarges the white region corresponding to the voltage difference from the center portion to the periphery is adopted.

[0153] In the constitution shown in FIG. 18, the dielectric layer PAS1 is arranged longitudinally. In this case, the difference of distance is generated between the white region and the black region as shown in FIG. 18B, for example, and there may be a case that the black and white regions are individually recognized with naked eyes depending on the size of the pixel.

[0154]FIG. 19 is a constitutional example which can solve such a drawback. FIG. 19A shows the constitution in which a plurality of longitudinally elongated dielectric layers PAS1 are formed. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to narrow the distance between the black portion and the white portion and hence, an averaging effect when viewed with naked eyes is enhanced whereby the uniform pixel display is obtained.

[0155]FIG. 19B shows the constitution in which, in addition to the above-mentioned feature, the dielectric layers PAS1 have a bent shape. Due to such a constitution, the black regions and the white regions further cross each other in space and hence, the further uniform display is obtained.

[0156]FIG. 19C is an example in which the dielectric layers PAS1 are arranged not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the lateral direction. Although the vision of human has the viewing-angle characteristics that human can easily distinguish stripes extending in one direction but the separation ability is decreased when the stripes are present in a plurality of directions. In the constitution shown in FIG. 19C, by arranging the dielectric layers PAS1 in both of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, the black region and the white region cross each other in space so that the uniform display is obtained. Further, by making use of the above-mentioned vision effect, the more uniform constitution in view of the viewing angle is obtained.

[0157] (Embodiment 12)

[0158]FIG. 21 shows the constitution in which the electrodes PX1 and PX2 are formed on separate substrates, wherein the electrode PX1 is formed on the substrate SUB1 and the reference electrode CT is formed on the substrate SUB2 in place of the electrode PX2.

[0159]FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3A and FIG. 21B is a plan view.

[0160] Also with the use of this constitution, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect similar to the advantageous effect obtained by the constitution shown in FIG. 3.

[0161] Further, in forming both of the electrodes PX1 and PX2 on the substrate SUB1, there exists a drawback that the wiring becomes complicated. This constitution can simplify the structure so that the manufacturing of the image display device is facilitated.

[0162] (Embodiment 13)

[0163]FIG. 22 is a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21. A view corresponding to FIG. 21A is shown in FIG. 22A and a view corresponding to FIG. 21B is shown in FIG. 22B.

[0164] Here, the electrodes PX1 are formed on the substrate SUB1 and the reference electrodes CT are formed on the substrate SUB2. The constitution which makes this modification different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 lies in that the reference electrodes CT are formed in a planar shape and hole portions are formed in the reference electrodes CT.

[0165] Due to such a constitution, it is possible to reduce the resistance value of the reference electrodes CT. Since light is incident on the electronic balls BL at the reference electrode CT side and the reference electrode CT side constitutes a path through which light which is reflected on the electronic balls BL is emitted, the luminance of the spectral transmissivity of the reference electrode CT is reduced. Accordingly, the enhancement of the transmissivity of the reference electrode CT contributes to the enhancement of the luminance. Accordingly, by forming the reference electrode CT in a planar shape and by forming holes in the reference electrode CT partially such that the hole portions face the electrodes PX1, the electricity supply resistance of the reference electrode CT can be decreased. Accordingly, the reduction of the film thickness of the reference electrode CT can be realized so that the brighter display can be realized.

[0166] (Embodiment 14)

[0167]FIG. 23 is an example of the constitution of the image display device which is applicable to respective embodiments of the present invention. An image display element which uses the electronic balls is constituted of a substrate SUB1 and a substrate SUB2. A driving circuit DR is mounted on the substrate SUB1. A frame FM is formed on an end portion of the image display element. Due to such a constitution, the protection of the driving circuit DR is ensured.

[0168] The frame FM may be formed on the whole back surface of the substrate SUB1. This is because that when the display surface is provided at the substrate SUB2 side, the incidence of light from the substrate SUB1 side and a reflection function are not necessary.

[0169] (Embodiment 15)

[0170] The image display device which uses the electronic balls has the feature that the image can be held for a long period. Although this feature is a great advantage of such an image display device, this feature has an intrinsic drawback. That is, to display the same image for a long period implies that this state is liable to be fixed. Accordingly, a so-called image retention phenomenon that even when the screen is changed over to another image after displaying of the same image for a long period, the previous image still remains as an image is liable to be generated.

[0171] In the conventional image display device which uses the electronic balls, only the binary display consisting of white and black is adopted. In this case, the changeover of the screen is only black and white after all and hence, the image retention is at a level which can be ignored in viewing the screen with naked eyes. However, in performing the half tone display, the voltage difference or the previous display image to the rotational threshold value of the electronic balls influences the display image and hence, it is desirable to provide the structure to cope with the image retention.

[0172] In the conventional image display device using the electronic balls, two electrodes are separately arranged on the upper substrate and the lower substrate such that these electrodes face each other in an opposed manner and the inverse rotation of the electronic balls is performed by the electric field generated on the substrate in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the conventional image display device adopts the structure in which the polarity which provides the black display and the polarity which provides the white display are fixed and cannot be changed.

[0173] To the contrary, the present invention proposes a novel constitution which can change the polarity without changing the display image.

[0174] An example which can change the polarity without changing the display in the constitution shown in FIG. 1 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 24.

[0175]FIG. 24A shows the example in which 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT, a minus voltage is applied to the electrode PX1 and a plus voltage is applied to the electrodes PX2. In this case, the electronic balls assume the half tone state with the arrangement shown in FIG. 24A.

[0176]FIG. 24B shows the example in which 0V is applied to the reference electrode CT, a plus voltage is applied to the electrode PX1 and a minus voltage is applied to the electrodes PX2. In this case, the electronic balls assume the half tone state in the same manner as the case shown in FIG. 24A. However, the relationship of white and black of the electronic balls on the electrodes and the direction of the black portions of the electronic balls between the electrodes are reversed. That is, it is possible to obtain the constitution which can realize the changeover of the polarity without changing the display state. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to realize the structure which can prevent the generation of image retention attributed to the display with the same polarity for a long time in the half tone.

[0177] Here, it is desirable that the changeover of the polarity of the electrodes PX1 and PX2 is performed periodically. Due to such periodical changeover, the image retention can be prevented in a stable manner so that it is possible to provide the highly reliable image display device.

[0178]FIG. 25 shows an example which changes the polarity in the constitution shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 25A shows the example in which a minus voltage is applied to the electrode PX1 and a plus voltage is applied to the electrodes PX2. On the other hand, FIG. 25B shows the example in which the polarities of the electrodes PX1 and PX2 are reversed. In both examples shown in FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B, in the same manner as the relationship between FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B, it is possible to change over the polarity between electrodes without changing the display in a half tone state so that the image retention can be prevented.

[0179] The basic concept of this embodiment lies in that, in the display device using the electronic balls, the polarity of the electric field or the polarity of the voltage is changed over without changing the displayed image. Accordingly, any structure and any driving method which realize the basic concept belongs to the category of this example.

[0180] (Embodiment 16)

[0181] Another embodiment of the electronic balls of the present invention are shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 26A is a view in which the electronic ball is viewed from the oblique direction and FIG. 26B is a view in which the electronic ball is viewed from the side direction. The electronic ball is formed in a columnar shape and a hemisphere thereof is colored. Due to such a constitution, the reflection region can be enlarged so that the image display device having more brightness can be provided.

[0182] The disclosed constitutions of the respective embodiments of the present invention also include modifications thereof so long as the modifications use the concept. Active elements may be formed on the substrate SUB1. Either one or both of the electrodes PX1 and PX2 may be controlled using active elements. Due to such a constitution, the image display device can cope with the display of higher definition. In this case, it is possible to apply the concept of a TFT substrate used in a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device and a case in which the embodiments of the present invention are combined with the concept is included in the scope of disclosure of the present invention.

[0183] As has been explained in detail heretofore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize the image display device which can realize the multiple gray scale display in the image display device using electronic balls.

[0184] It is also possible to realize the multi-colored display of not less than 64 colors.

[0185] It is also possible to realize the broadening of the viewing angle of the image display device.

[0186] It is also possible to solve the image retention.

[0187] It is also possible to provide the bright image display device by enhancing the reflectance. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, and first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein display is performed by applying the voltage difference between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a plurality of regions which differ in an intensity of electric field applied to the spherical bodies are formed with respect to the voltage difference.
 2. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, and first electrodes and second electrodes which are formed on the first substrate, and third electrodes which are formed on the second substrate, wherein a voltage difference is imparted between the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode so as to perform display.
 3. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, and first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein display is performed by applying the voltage difference at least between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and there are plurality of directions of electric field formed by the voltage difference.
 4. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, and first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein display is performed by applying the voltage difference at least between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and there are plurality of rotating directions of the spherical bodies.
 5. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on at least the first substrate and second electrodes which are formed on the second substrate, wherein the second electrodes are formed of planar electrodes and the first electrodes are formed of linear electrodes.
 6. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape.
 7. An image display device according to claim 2, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape and the third electrodes are formed in a planar shape.
 8. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes have an L shape.
 9. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is sandwiched by two first electrodes, the first electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other, and the second electrode is extended in an oblique direction with respect to the first electrode.
 10. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is sandwiched by two first electrodes, the first electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other, the second electrode has a portion which is parallel to the first electrodes and a portion which is not parallel to the first electrodes, and a distance of the parallel portion of the second electrode with respect to the first electrodes has a plurality of values in the extending direction of the first electrodes.
 11. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein the linear electrode is arranged at a side remote from a display surface.
 12. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein a transparent conductive layer is formed on a front side of the viewer-side substrate.
 13. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein a touch panel is formed on a front side of the viewer-side substrate.
 14. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein each spherical body has a black region and a white region.
 15. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein each spherical body has a black region and a region which is colored in any one of red, green and blue.
 16. An image display device according to claim 1, wherein each spherical body has a black region and a region which is colored in any one of cyan, magenta and yellow.
 17. An image display device according to claim 15, wherein the colors of the colored regions differ for respective pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral direction of the image display device.
 18. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, and first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in an inter-electrode distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.
 19. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on the first substrate and second electrodes which are formed on the second substrate, wherein a dielectric layer is formed between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in a thickness of the dielectric layer.
 20. An image display device according to claim 18, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed on the first substrate, and the image display device further includes third electrodes which are formed on the second electrodes.
 21. An image display device according to claim 18, wherein the second electrodes are arranged such that the second electrode is sandwiched by a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of first electrodes extend parallel to each other, and the second electrode is arranged obliquely with respect to the first electrodes.
 22. An image display device according to claim 18, wherein the second electrodes are arranged such that the second electrode is sandwiched by a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of first electrodes extend parallel to each other, and the second electrode has a portion which is parallel to the first electrodes and a portion which is not parallel to the first electrodes, and a distance of the parallel portion of the second electrode with respect to the first electrodes has a plurality of values in the extending direction of the first electrodes.
 23. An image display device according to claim 22, wherein assuming a distance between the second electrode and the first electrode which is arranged at the left side of the second electrode as a first distance and a distance between the second electrode and the first electrode which is arranged at the right side of the second electrode as a second distance, a region which has a small difference between the first distance and the second distance has set a length of the portion of the second electrode which is parallel to the first electrodes shorter than a length of the second electrode which is parallel to the first electrodes in a region in which the difference between the first distance and the second distance is large.
 24. An image display device according to claim 18, wherein the first electrodes are formed on the first substrate, the second electrodes are formed on the second substrate, and the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.
 25. An image display device according to claim 24, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes have a planar shape.
 26. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the rotation of the spherical bodies is controlled based on a voltage applied between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and the image display device includes a plurality of regions which differ in a threshold value voltage which generates the rotation of the spherical bodies in the pixels.
 27. An image display device according to claim 26, wherein the image display device is capable of performing a multi-valued display of not less than 4 values.
 28. An image display device according to claim 26, wherein the image display device is capable of performing a multicolor display of not less than 64 colors.
 29. An image display device according to claim 26, wherein the spherical body has a black region and a white region.
 30. An image display device according to claim 26, wherein the spherical body includes a black region and a region which is colored in any one of red, green and blue.
 31. An image display device according to claim 26, wherein the spherical body includes a black region and a region which is colored in any one of cyan, magenta and yellow.
 32. An image display device according to claim 26, wherein the colors of the colored regions differ for respective pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral direction of the image display device.
 33. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, and spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, wherein first electrodes and second electrodes are formed on the first substrate and polarities of the first electrode and the second electrodes are periodically changed over.
 34. An image display device according to claim 33, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes have a linear shape and the image display device includes third electrodes having a width larger than a width of the first electrode and the second electrode on the second substrate.
 35. An image display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, spherical bodies which are sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and are rotatable, each spherical body having at least two regions formed by dividing the spherical body in color, first electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and second electrodes which are formed on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the spherical bodies have a columnar shape.
 36. An image display device according to claim 2, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape.
 37. An image display device according to claim 3, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape.
 38. An image display device according to claim 4, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed in a linear shape.
 39. An image display device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes have an L shape.
 40. An image display device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes have an L shape.
 41. An image display device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes have an L shape.
 42. An image display device according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes have an L shape. 